Troy has lost one of its most dedicated and passionate patrons of the arts.

Don Crapps’ death Wednesday brought a cloud of sadness to the community that Crapps loved and served, said Dr. John Jinright, a friend and member of the Troy Arts Council, which Crapps had served as president for many years.

“Don did so much for this community as a leader of the Troy Arts Council and as an organizer of the Jean Lake Festival,” Jinright said. “He will be sorely missed in the arts community and at First United Methodist Church. Don was a strong tenor and loved to sing. His voice and his presence will be missed at the church. He will be missed in so many ways and in so many places.”

Ruth Walker, Troy Arts Council president, said although Crapps was not actively involved with the TAC in recent times, he continued to support the council in various ways.

“Don’s experience was extremely valuable to us and we looked to him for guidance,” Walker said. “His influence on the arts and on the arts council was tremendous. He cared about the TAC and what it was doing and how it was doing.

“He was a great asset to the TAC. He was an extremely knowledgeable person when it comes to art and music and he left big shoes to be filled.”

Vicki Pritchett, an ex-officio member of the Troy Arts Council, said Crapps was an active contributor to the arts in Pike County and his death will leave a void that will be difficult to fill.

“Don had a vision for the cultural arts center and he had a great impact on the arts for children and their education and it how it develops,” Pritchett said. “Don left a big footprint on the arts, not just in Troy but in all Pike County. He will be greatly missed.”